Preparing Teachers for Special Education: Insights from Educators and Authors
About the Guest(s): Audri Gomez has been in the field of special education since 2000. She has worked as a resource specialist and in self-contained classrooms in the K-12 setting for the Newport Mesa Unified School District. Currently, she is an adjunct professor for the Department of Special Education at Chapman University. Aja McKee has […]
Disability Studies and the Future of Special Education
Today you will hear two edited interviews that I did from almost a year ago. The first is with Audri Gomez and Aja McKee, educators that have had experience in the classroom as well in teacher training. They give a unique perspective on how we can prepare teachers who are about to enter into the field […]
Understanding Alternate Assessment with Debbie Taub
About the Guest(s): Debbie Taub is the Director of Research at Keystone Alternate Assessment. With a background as a classroom teacher and school forms specialist, she has extensive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating alternate assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Debbie has contributed to the field of educating children with complex needs through […]
The Slow Progress of Inclusive Education in the US with Cheryl Jorgensen
About the Guest(s): Dr. Cheryl M. Jorgensen is a renowned expert in inclusive education with over 30 years of experience in the field. She worked as a faculty researcher at the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, focusing on inclusive education for students with autism, intellectual, and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Jorgensen is passionate […]
Russ Ewell: Creating Inclusive Soccer and Hope Technology School
About the Guest(s): Russ Ewell is the CEO of Digital Scribbler, the founder of Hope Technology Group, and the creator of the communication app Quick Talk AAC. He is also the founder of EA Soccer, an all-volunteer inclusive soccer program dedicated to empowering both typical and special needs children of all abilities. Russ has been […]
Dr. Julie Causton discusses the steps schools must take to become more inclusive.
In this episode, Dr. Julie Causton discusses the necessary steps for schools to become more inclusive. She shares insights from her research project, Schools of Promise, which focused on transforming schools to be more inclusive. Dr. Causton emphasizes the importance of professional development for teachers and the need to reimagine the service delivery model in school districts. She also highlights the role of the law in promoting inclusive education and shares examples of successful inclusive schools. The conversation explores strategies for addressing challenging behavior and the misconception that inclusion is not academically appropriate for all students. Dr. Causton provides practical ideas and resources for creating inclusive classrooms and offers guidance for parents advocating for inclusive education.
5 Videos That Will Change Your Mind About Inclusive Education
Discover how inclusive education can work wonders for students with disabilities through these five videos. Witness the power of commitment, differentiated instruction, and augmentative and alternative communication in fostering an inclusive classroom community that benefits all students. Watch the videos now and see for yourself how inclusion can transform lives.
Filmmaker Dan Habib discusses the importance of positive behavior support in schools.
Tim Villegas interviews Dan Habib about his latest film, "Who Cares About Kelsey." They discuss the importance of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) in schools, the challenges faced by students with hidden disabilities, and the need for leadership and systems change. Dan shares insights from his experiences filming Kelsey's story and highlights the transformative power of inclusive education. The conversation also touches on the upcoming broadcast of the film on public television and the impact it can have on raising awareness and promoting change.
Ariane Zurcher discusses autism advocacy and the importance of inclusion.
Tim Villegas interviews Ariane Zurcher, a prominent autism advocate and blogger. Ariane shares her journey from knowing nothing about autism when her daughter, Emma, was first diagnosed, to becoming a strong advocate for the autistic community. She discusses the initial reaction to Emma’s diagnosis, the need for a more inclusive approach to autism, and the importance of listening to autistic individuals. Ariane also emphasizes the negative effects of fear-based narratives surrounding autism and the need for a more compassionate and understanding society.
Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?: A Conversation with Paula Kluth
About the Guest(s): Dr. Paula Kluth is an internationally renowned consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar. She has worked extensively with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. With a background as a special educator, classroom teacher, and inclusion facilitator, […]